Today, we ran the latest edition of our subscriber-exclusive Ask Ornstein Q&A.
Once a week for an hour, The Athletic’s subscribers can ask me for my views on anything from the football world. I have pulled together some of my favourite questions and my answers below.
Got a question? Join us again next Thursday
Harry J. asked: Hi David, Do you know of any names of centre-backs that Liverpool are looking at for the summer?
David Ornstein: Hi Harry. Yes, I now understand that Liverpool are among the clubs with a firm interest in Dean Huijsen. This has been reported elsewhere and is accurate. Chelsea have enquired and Arsenal are in the mix, too.
At the moment, those are perhaps the three leading contenders but not the only ones, with Newcastle and Tottenham also keen. I believe they have all held meetings or conversations with Huijsen’s camp in the last week but I’m not aware of offers being made just yet, so the direction of travel remains unclear.
Advertisement
It has been well documented that Real Madrid held great appeal for Huijsen growing up and they do like him, but I don’t know of them actively working on it and therefore — at the time of writing — it looks most probable he will join another Premier League club. I think there’s a desire on the part of Bournemouth and the player to have this situation decided asap. The £50m ($64.8m) release clause makes it a clean and potentially quick deal to do, which we’ve seen Liverpool capitalise on in the past.
Maybe their consideration is influenced by the lack of developments so far on Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation and you imagine Huijsen would have a good chance of starting alongside Virgil van Dijk if he was signed. I guess Chelsea could say the same about starting beside Colwill, while you imagine similar amounts of game time would come his way at Newcastle and Tottenham.
Arsenal is a bit trickier with Saliba and Gabriel in situ for now, but if Kiwior was to be sold you could envisage Huijsen playing a lot as part of their centre-back unit and, from what I hear, Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta are huge fans of the Spain international.
I’m not sure about other names in relation to Liverpool at the moment but suddenly from everyone wanting a left centre-back, it’s currently the right side they’re all focusing on. In general terms (I don’t know about Liverpool), Marc Guehi will definitely be one to watch and Trevoh Chalobah as well.
Daniel B. asked: “Hi David, thanks for your work. I would like to ask if there is a possibility that Kai Havertz will return in May?”
Ornstein: It looks and sounds like his recovery is going well, Daniel, so perhaps they’ll try to reintegrate him before the season finishes if it is safe to do so and there is something to play for.
But let’s see — a lot of ‘ifs’ in that!
Havertz is currently out of action due to injury (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Louis F. asked: “Hi David — would you be able to give any insight into Liam Delap’s clause?”
Ornstein: The general understanding is £40million buy-back clause for Manchester City and a £30m release clause for any club in the event of Ipswich being relegated. I don’t think City are looking at re-signing Delap so if he leaves Portman Road, I would expect the destination to be elsewhere.
I reported in November that Chelsea and Manchester United were considering him and that remains the case. But there are plenty of other suitors and no decisions yet, so I wouldn’t expect an outcome for some time yet.
Aaron A. asked: “Hello David. As you reported, Viktor Gyokeres featured more prominently on Arsenal’s striker list with the introduction of Andrea Berta, how does that affect Arsenal’s interest in Benjamin Sesko? Is he still regarded as one of the top options? Does Berta rate him?”
Ornstein: Hi Aaron — Arsenal have done a significant amount of work on Sesko over a long period. He is clearly a super talent who is doing really well and I’m sure he will continue to flourish.
My colleague James McNicholas detailed recently that Arsenal have some reservations and so perhaps Mikel Arteta and Berta are prioritising others (we’ve reported previously about Isak/Gyokeres). That doesn’t mean to say Sesko is out of the equation but perhaps Arsenal is not looking like his most probable destination at this moment in time.
Advertisement
We know Manchester United rate him highly, too… I seem to recall him being their top — or a prominent — target last summer before he decided to stay at Leipzig and sign a new contract. He is also among the names Chelsea are considering and I’m sure other top clubs are, too.
It is not a cheap deal to do but none of these are and if/when Sesko does move, it seems whoever wins the race will be getting a gem.
Liam M. asked: “The talk around Arsenal and left-wingers seems particularly quiet. Do you believe this is one of their priority positions and if so, who are some of the names the club is pursuing?”
Ornstein: A wide attacker has been on the agenda for some time and I do hear left winger is a position they are considering this summer. We all know Nico Williams is a player Mikel Arteta admires but that doesn’t mean it will happen.
There will be many names in the frame; for example, Arsenal are one of multiple top clubs who like Anthony Gordon. But, again, it doesn’t mean much unless something develops and we have no indications of that yet.
Matthew B. asked: “Hi David, any truth in the Oliver Glasner to Spurs rumours?”
Ornstein: I don’t have information on this at present, Matthew. That’s not to say they wouldn’t consider Glasner if they are to make a change — I think most clubs would, given the work he is doing at Selhurst Park.
Palace are trying to renew his contract and, until that happens, others may see this as an opportunity to pounce. Clearly, there is uncertainty about Postecoglou’s position amid such a disappointing season for them, although let’s see what happens in the Europa League.
Reports have suggested Spurs will look at the likes of Iraola, Silva and Frank if they are to make a change but there would be other names, too, and if Glasner has entered — or does enter — their thinking, I don’t think that would come as a huge surprise.
Glasner has impressed with Crystal Palace (Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Jack B. asked: “Xabi Alonso and his coaching staff were reportedly at the Etihad campus today. Any news on why this is/can you confirm that he is?”
Ornstein: No idea but, irrespective, the consensus in football seems to be that if Ancelotti leaves Real Madrid it is Alonso who is very likely to replace him.
Moi M. asked: “Hi David, do you have any names for possible Chelsea wingers?”
Ornstein: We’ve reported about Gittens and Garnacho since January and there will be other names under consideration, too. Equally, Chelsea won’t be the only club looking at the players they are.
So let’s see — but I am fascinated to watch what happens with Gittens, as he’s a fantastic player and looks to have a very bright future.
Matthew S. asked: “Who is most likely to leave Bournemouth this summer? This team gives 2010s Southampton vibes.”
Ornstein: Huijsen will go and after that it will probably be one of Milos Kerkez and Antoine Semenyo; I don’t think they want or need both to depart.
Their recruitment has been impressive and it looks set to continue with Eli Junior Kroupi. It will be interesting to see if they get into Europe and how they cope, but on and off the pitch (players, coach, transfers, training ground, multi-club etc) they appear to be building well and in a sustainable way.
Arthur M. asked: “Where do you think Evan Ferguson ends up?”
Ornstein: Great question, Arthur, and sadly one I don’t have a decent answer to. Apologies! It wouldn’t surprise me if he plays himself back into form and returns to shine for Brighton.
There’s an outstanding player there; you just hope he stays injury-free and starts to flourish again.
Henry H. asked: “Reality check: Are Spurs really going to be in on some of Europe’s best talent/young talent this summer? The likes of Jamie Gittens, Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap. Will they be able to attract said talent, considering their league position and the likely possibility they will not be in Europe?”
Ornstein: They’ve done a pretty good job of it so far, Henry! Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert and Antonin Kinsky… top signings who are impacting now and will be even better in the future.
That’s strong recruitment from Spurs in that area and there’s no reason why it won’t continue.
(Top photo: Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images)
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
USMNT needed a Gold Cup opener like this to begin deflating the drama
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The U.S. men’s national team wasn’t immune to the negativity building up around the team — both from the on-field results and the off-field drama.For that reason, the Concacaf Gold Cup group opener against Trinidad and Tobago carried more pressure than it might have otherwise. And it’s why the U.S.’s dominant 5-0 win also felt that much sweeter. It allowed the Americans to enjoy some smiles and a bit of respite from the pressure – and let them avoid dropping five straight matches for the first time since 2007.AdvertisementAs manager Mauricio Pochettino said, it “cut the negative results” and gave the U.S. a chance to start building something with the 2026 World Cup on home soil now less than a year away.“A difficult match, especially given the negative things that had happened in recent weeks,” Pochettino said. […]
Shohei Ohtani to make first pitching start since elbow surgery vs. Padres
<!--> Shohei Ohtani is going to be the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night against the San Diego Padres, 21 months after the two-way star had elbow surgery.The Dodgers made the announcement after Sunday night’s 5-4 win over the San Francisco Giants. Ohtani will likely be used as an opener as the National League West leaders kick off a four-game set against the visiting Padres.Ohtani has not pitched in a game since Aug. 23, 2023, when he got hurt during a start for the Los Angeles Angels against the Cincinnati Reds. He had Tommy John surgery on Oct. 1, 2018, and is recovering from right elbow surgery on Sept. 19, 2023.In the second season of a $700 million, 10-year contract, he paused his pitching work after a mound session on Feb. 25 to prepare for opening […]
2025 U.S. Open: Hardened by time, J.J. Spaun’s unrelenting toughness is what Oakmont required in a champion
OAKMONT, Pa. -- The toughest man in golf won the toughest test in golf. Make no mistake about it, amid a week that was meant for only the big and brawny -- the titans of the game -- J.J. Spaun proved you need more than just physical gifts and an impressive résumé to be named a U.S. Open champion at Oakmont Country Club.The 2025 U.S. Open was indeed billed as one strictly for the brutes and the beasts -- bombers only, short hitters stay home. With the world's best entering the third major championship of the season in form, room for an outsider was pushed to the corner in the standing room only section. That's where Spaun was located, much taller than his 5-foot 9-inch stature suggested.In what was only his second career U.S. Open start, Spaun started his trek […]
Onde assistir Fluminense x Dortmund pelo Mundial de Clubes: escalações, desfalques e retrospecto
Cano vai disputar o Mundial de Clubes pelo Fluminense (foto: divulgação/FFC) O Fluminense faz sua estreia na Copa do Mundo de Clubes da Fifa contra o Borussia Dortmund, da Alemanha, nesta terça-feira (17), às13h (horário de Brasília), em duelo da primeira rodada do Grupo F da competição, que será disputado no MetLife Stadium, em Nova Jersey (EUA). O time de Renato Gaúcho tentará quebrar as expectativas e começar vencendo no torneio. Na sequência da competição, o Fluminense ainda terá confrontos com os dois outros clubes do Grupo F. Neste sábado (21), os comandados de Renato Gaúcho terão pela frente o coreano Ulsan Hyundai, no MetLife Stadium, às 21h (de Brasília), e na última rodada o adversário será o Mamelodi Sundows, da África do Sul, em partida marcada para o dia 25, às 16h (de Brasília), no Hard Rock Stadium, em […]
Shohei Ohtani returns to pitching: Dodgers star back on mound Monday in unique role after elbow surgery
Shohei Ohtani is returning to the mound. Ohtani will pitch on Monday, serving as the Dodgers starter against the Padres for his first pitching appearance since 2023. Ohtani, who had elbow surgery nearly two years ago, will pitch as an opener, per manager Dave Roberts. He recently threw 44 pitches in a simulated game."He's ready to pitch in a big-league game," Roberts told reporters Sunday night. "He let us know." Ohtani won National League MVP honors and was part of the World Series championship lineup last season, but Monday will mark the two-way superstar's first pitching appearance with the Dodgers. The last time Ohtani pitched, 2023 for the Angels, he went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings. His last appearance on the mound was Aug. 23, 2023 -- 664 days before Monday.Ohtani has a 3.01 […]
Josef Newgarden flips but OK after wild INDYCAR wreck
Bob Pockrass FOX Motorsports Insider <!--> MADISON, Ill. — Josef Newgarden was not seriously injured after his car went upside-down and skidded along the surface Sunday night at World Wide Technology Raceway.Newgarden t-boned Louis Foster, whose car was spinning and sliding down the track after an accident. Pinched up next to the inside wall, Newgarden’s car launched in the air and then skidded on its car.Both drivers were seen and released from the infield medical center.Hard accidents are not rare for the 1.25-mile oval, commonly known as Gateway, located outside of St. Louis. Foster said he had been getting up in the marbles — pellets of tire rubber that accumulate on the track and can cause the car to lose traction — and just got in there one time too many."Just got a bit too high on to the dark […]
Related
USMNT needed a Gold Cup opener like this to begin deflating the drama
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The U.S. men’s national team wasn’t immune to the negativity building up around the team — both from the on-field results and the off-field drama.For that reason, the Concacaf Gold Cup group opener against Trinidad and Tobago carried more pressure than it might have otherwise. And it’s why the U.S.’s dominant 5-0 win also felt that much sweeter. It allowed the Americans to enjoy some smiles and a bit of respite from the pressure – and let them avoid dropping five straight matches for the first time since 2007.AdvertisementAs manager Mauricio Pochettino said, it “cut the negative results” and gave the U.S. a chance to start building something with the 2026 World Cup on home soil now less than a year away.“A difficult match, especially given the negative things that had happened in recent weeks,” Pochettino said. […]
Shohei Ohtani to make first pitching start since elbow surgery vs. Padres
<!--> Shohei Ohtani is going to be the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night against the San Diego Padres, 21 months after the two-way star had elbow surgery.The Dodgers made the announcement after Sunday night’s 5-4 win over the San Francisco Giants. Ohtani will likely be used as an opener as the National League West leaders kick off a four-game set against the visiting Padres.Ohtani has not pitched in a game since Aug. 23, 2023, when he got hurt during a start for the Los Angeles Angels against the Cincinnati Reds. He had Tommy John surgery on Oct. 1, 2018, and is recovering from right elbow surgery on Sept. 19, 2023.In the second season of a $700 million, 10-year contract, he paused his pitching work after a mound session on Feb. 25 to prepare for opening […]
2025 U.S. Open: Hardened by time, J.J. Spaun’s unrelenting toughness is what Oakmont required in a champion
OAKMONT, Pa. -- The toughest man in golf won the toughest test in golf. Make no mistake about it, amid a week that was meant for only the big and brawny -- the titans of the game -- J.J. Spaun proved you need more than just physical gifts and an impressive résumé to be named a U.S. Open champion at Oakmont Country Club.The 2025 U.S. Open was indeed billed as one strictly for the brutes and the beasts -- bombers only, short hitters stay home. With the world's best entering the third major championship of the season in form, room for an outsider was pushed to the corner in the standing room only section. That's where Spaun was located, much taller than his 5-foot 9-inch stature suggested.In what was only his second career U.S. Open start, Spaun started his trek […]
Onde assistir Fluminense x Dortmund pelo Mundial de Clubes: escalações, desfalques e retrospecto
Cano vai disputar o Mundial de Clubes pelo Fluminense (foto: divulgação/FFC) O Fluminense faz sua estreia na Copa do Mundo de Clubes da Fifa contra o Borussia Dortmund, da Alemanha, nesta terça-feira (17), às13h (horário de Brasília), em duelo da primeira rodada do Grupo F da competição, que será disputado no MetLife Stadium, em Nova Jersey (EUA). O time de Renato Gaúcho tentará quebrar as expectativas e começar vencendo no torneio. Na sequência da competição, o Fluminense ainda terá confrontos com os dois outros clubes do Grupo F. Neste sábado (21), os comandados de Renato Gaúcho terão pela frente o coreano Ulsan Hyundai, no MetLife Stadium, às 21h (de Brasília), e na última rodada o adversário será o Mamelodi Sundows, da África do Sul, em partida marcada para o dia 25, às 16h (de Brasília), no Hard Rock Stadium, em […]
Shohei Ohtani returns to pitching: Dodgers star back on mound Monday in unique role after elbow surgery
Shohei Ohtani is returning to the mound. Ohtani will pitch on Monday, serving as the Dodgers starter against the Padres for his first pitching appearance since 2023. Ohtani, who had elbow surgery nearly two years ago, will pitch as an opener, per manager Dave Roberts. He recently threw 44 pitches in a simulated game."He's ready to pitch in a big-league game," Roberts told reporters Sunday night. "He let us know." Ohtani won National League MVP honors and was part of the World Series championship lineup last season, but Monday will mark the two-way superstar's first pitching appearance with the Dodgers. The last time Ohtani pitched, 2023 for the Angels, he went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings. His last appearance on the mound was Aug. 23, 2023 -- 664 days before Monday.Ohtani has a 3.01 […]
Josef Newgarden flips but OK after wild INDYCAR wreck
Bob Pockrass FOX Motorsports Insider <!--> MADISON, Ill. — Josef Newgarden was not seriously injured after his car went upside-down and skidded along the surface Sunday night at World Wide Technology Raceway.Newgarden t-boned Louis Foster, whose car was spinning and sliding down the track after an accident. Pinched up next to the inside wall, Newgarden’s car launched in the air and then skidded on its car.Both drivers were seen and released from the infield medical center.Hard accidents are not rare for the 1.25-mile oval, commonly known as Gateway, located outside of St. Louis. Foster said he had been getting up in the marbles — pellets of tire rubber that accumulate on the track and can cause the car to lose traction — and just got in there one time too many."Just got a bit too high on to the dark […]
Be the first to leave a comment